Soundcore Liberty 5
Google Pixel Buds 2a
What Buyers Say
Soundcore Liberty 5
The Soundcore Liberty 5 earbuds receive largely positive feedback for their excellent sound quality, strong active noise cancellation, and impressive value for the price. Users praise the comfortable fit, six ear tip sizes, and the feature-rich Soundcore app, though some note the default tuning is bass-heavy and the sliding case lid feels wobbly and cheap. A few reviewers mention issues with touch controls and fit-test reliability, but overall, these are seen as a great budget-friendly alternative to premium earbuds.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Strong active noise cancellation
- Great value for money
- Comfortable fit with six ear tip sizes
- Feature-rich Soundcore app
Cons
- Wobbly sliding case lid
- Cheap-feeling case plastic
- Bass-heavy default tuning
- Unreliable fit test
- Stiff touch controls
Google Pixel Buds 2a
The Google Pixel Buds 2a are overwhelmingly praised for their excellent sound quality, comfortable fit, and effective noise cancellation at a reasonable price. Users highlight the seamless integration with Pixel phones, long battery life, and the unique repairable case battery. Some criticisms include the lack of wireless charging, limited touch controls, and occasional connectivity quirks, but overall sentiment is very positive.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Effective noise cancellation
- Seamless Pixel integration
- Long battery life
Cons
- No wireless charging
- Limited touch controls
- No volume control on buds
- Occasional connectivity issues
- ANC always on
Scores
Specifications
| Soundcore Liberty 5 | Google Pixel Buds 2a | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | ||
| Form Factor | in-ear | in-ear |
| Wearing Style | true wireless | true wireless |
| Ear Tips | XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL | Extra small, Small, Medium, Large |
| Weight | 0.01 kg★ | 0.05 kg |
| Audio | ||
| Driver Type | dynamic | dynamic |
| Driver Size | 9.199999809265137 mm | 11 mm★ |
| Drivers | 1 | 1 |
| Impedance | 17 Ω | 24 Ω |
| Hi-Res Audio | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Codecs | LDAC | SBC, AAC |
| Noise Control | ||
| ANC | ✓ | ✓ |
| ANC Type | adaptive | Silent Seal 1.5 |
| Transparency | ✓ | ✓ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | 5.4 | 5.4 |
| Multipoint | ✓ | ✓ |
| Range | 3 m★ | — |
| Earbud Battery | ||
| Battery Life | 8 hrs★ | 7 hrs |
| Charge Time | 4 hrs★ | — |
| Fast Charging | 10 Minutes for 5 Hours | 5 Minutes for 1 Hour |
| Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Case Battery | ||
| Case Battery | 48 hrs★ | 20 hrs |
| Case Charging | USB-C | USB-C |
| Wireless Charging | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Microphone | ||
| Microphone | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mic Count | 6★ | 2 |
| NC Mic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Features | ||
| Voice Assistant | soundcore HearID 4.0 | Gemini |
| Touch Controls | ✓ | ✓ |
| App | soundcore App | Pixel Buds app |
| Volume Limiting | ✗ | ✗ |
| Gaming Mode | — | ✗ |
| Bone Conduction | ✗ | ✗ |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | IP54 |
Pros & Cons
Soundcore Liberty 5
- Strong anc (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong mic (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong comfort (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Below average affordability (29th percentile)
Google Pixel Buds 2a
- Strong social proof (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong user sentiment (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong anc (90th percentile)90th %ile
- Below average affordability (16th percentile)16th %ile
- Below average build (34th percentile)
Pricing
Soundcore Liberty 5 offers 1.8x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 82 overall, wins 7 of 7 usage categories and 8 of 34 specs.
